Ornamental component having removable outer shell

ABSTRACT

An ornamental component that includes an inner element structured to attach to a jewelry item and an outer element that encapsulates the inner element. The outer element of the ornamental component configured to be removed in order to reveal the inner element.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/670,176 filed on May 11, 2018.

BACKGROUND

Jewelry, such as necklaces and bracelets, typically includes one or more charms or other types of ornamental components. The ornamental components of jewelry can simply be decorative or may have different meanings or significance to the user. For example, the ornamental components can be used to mark an accomplishment, to express a personal sentiment to others, to commemorate a special occasion, or to merely provide stylistic enhancement.

Thus, the reason for selecting and wearing jewelry and its associated ornamental components can vary, but it is typically thoughtfully considered by the user. The significance associated with articles of jewelry can be further enhanced by providing ornamental components with inner charms that have a removable outer shell. These types of ornamental components could be used to motivate an individual that is pursuing a goal by having the individual expose the inner charms each time a particular milestone is achieved. Alternatively, the ornamental components having removable outer shells could be used to mark the countdown to a significant event or to commemorate collaborations with others. The applications for such ornamental components are wide-ranging.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present technology address deficiencies of the art in respect to ornamental components for use with particular items of jewelry. The present technology provides an ornamental component that includes an inner element structured to attach to a jewelry item and an outer element that encapsulates the inner element. The outer element of the ornamental component can be configured to be removed (e.g. detached, broken apart, dissolved, or cracked) in order to reveal the inner element. The inner elements of the ornamental components can be used to mark milestones or as a method for tracking progress towards a particular goal.

Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The aspects of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the embodiments described herein, reference will be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present technology, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an article of jewelry having ornamental components with removable outer shells;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an example of an ornamental component in closed and open positions, respectively;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate another example of an ornamental component in closed and open positions, respectively;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an article of jewelry having ornamental components with certain outer shells removed; and

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an ornamental component having a breakable outer shell.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the scope of the disclosure.

The features and advantages of the disclosure can be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or can be learned by the practice of the principles set forth herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an article of jewelry 100 having ornamental components with removable outer shells. Jewelry 100 can be any article configured for displaying charms or ornaments on an elongated member 102 such as chains, necklaces, or ankle and wrist bracelets.

Jewelry 100 can have one or more ornamental components 104 that are strung along elongated member 102. Each ornamental component 104 can include an outer element 106 and an inner element 108. Outer element 106 can be a shell, coating, or housing that surrounds or encapsulates inner element 108. Inner element 108, depicted as a star in FIG. 1, can include any type of charm or ornamental accessory.

In some embodiments, outer element 106 can be formed from a material that obscures visibility of inner element 108—either translucent or opaque. Alternatively, outer element 106 can be formed from a transparent material such that inner element 108 is visible while outer element 106 is present. In another embodiment, outer element 106 can be formed from a material that is initially opaque and obscures visibility of inner element 108 but becomes transparent after a certain amount of time or after certain amount of exposure to sunlight or water.

In some embodiments, outer element 106 can be an unadorned casing that functions to encapsulate inner element 108. Alternatively, outer element 106 can likewise be a charm or accessory having ornamental features. Outer element 106 can be configured to be removable such that inner element 108 is fully exposed. Embodiments of exemplary removal mechanisms for outer element 106 are discussed herein in connection with FIGS. 2, 3, and 5.

Removal of outer element 106 can be permanent or temporary. In a temporary removal embodiment, outer element 106 can be configured to be reattached to ornamental component 104 and to re-encapsulate inner element 108. In a permanent removal embodiment, outer element 106 can be broken apart, dissolved, cracked, or otherwise destroyed to expose inner element 108.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an example of an ornamental component 200 in closed and open positions, respectively. Ornamental component 200 can include an outer element 201 that can be formed by two or more interlocking members such as first member 202 a and second member 202 b. Ornamental component 200 can also include an inner element (not illustrated) such as a charm, ornament, or trinket that is disposed inside of outer element 201.

In some embodiments, first member 202 a and second member 202 b can be joined together in a manner that creates an opening 204. Opening 204 can be used to thread or string through an elongated member of an article of jewelry such as a necklace or bracelet. While opening 204 is depicted in the center of ornamental component 200, those skilled in the art will recognize that alternative embodiments are contemplated herein. Likewise, opening 204 is not limited in scope to a circular-like shape and alternative geometries and/or mechanisms (e.g. clasps, hooks, clips, clamps, etc.) are contemplated herein.

In one embodiment, first member 202 a and second member 202 b can include helical structure such as a matched pair of threads. This type of structure can facilitate attachment and detachment of the first member 202 a and the second member 202 b by using twisting/screwing action. FIG. 2A illustrates first member 202 a and second member 202 b in an attached state, and FIG. 2B illustrates first member 202 a and second member 202 b in a separated or detached state.

In another embodiment, the perimeter of a mating interface on first member 202 a can include a recessed groove configured to couple with a complementary mating interface on second member 202 b. That is, first mating member 202 a and second mating member 202 b can include mechanical features that facilitate engagement and disengagement by applying a small amount of pressure.

In another embodiment, first member 202 a can include one or more clips configured to attach to second member 202 b. In yet another embodiment, first member 202 a and second member 202 b can be attached to each other by using a tongue and groove type mechanical structure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternative interlocking structures that permit engagement/disengagement of first member 202 a and second member 202 b are possible and contemplated herein.

FIG. 2B illustrates ornamental component 200 in which outer element 201 has been removed by separating first member 202 a from second member 202 b. Once first member 202 a and second member 202 b are separated, an inner element (not illustrated) of ornamental component 200 can be exposed. In embodiments that facilitate engagement and disengagement, first member 202 a and second member 202 b can be re-engaged to re-encapsulate an inner element.

Alternatively, outer element 201 can be formed from a material that can be broken or otherwise permanently removed to expose an inner element (see also FIG. 5). Embodiments in which outer element 201 can be broken apart may have a unitary construction of outer element 201 such that first member 202 a and second member 202 b consist of a single member. In another embodiment, outer element 201 can be formed from a material that can be dissolved by using a liquid or chemical that is not harmful to the skin. In another embodiment, outer element 201 can be formed from a material that can be melted away by using heat such as that provided by a hair dryer. In another embodiment, outer element 201 can be formed from a material that dissolves on its own with passage of time, body heat, exposure to sunlight, or exposure to water.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an example of an ornamental component 300 in closed and open positions, respectively. Ornamental component 300 can include an outer element 301 that can be formed by two or more interlocking members such as first member 302 a and second member 302 b. Ornamental component 300 can also include an inner element 312 that is disposed inside of outer element 301 and is revealed when outer element 301 is open or otherwise removed.

In some embodiments, first member 302 a and second member 302 b can include a mechanical linkage or pivot point such as hinge 306. In some embodiments, hinge 306 can provide a bias or force that maintains first member 302 a and second member 302 b in a closed position. Such bias or force can be overcome by exerting a nominal force that separates first member 302 a from second member 302 b.

In other embodiments, ornamental component 300 can also include a locking mechanism such as clip 304 that is configured to keep first member 302 a and second member 302 b in a closed position. Outer element 301 can be opened by disengaging clip 304 such that first member 302 a and second member 302 b can be taken apart. In addition, hinge 306 may provide a bias or force that drives outer element 301 to the open position when clip 304 is opened or removed. Alternatively, a bias or force to the open or closed position may be provided by a separate element such as a spring or coil (not illustrated).

FIG. 3B illustrates ornamental component 300 in which outer element 301 has been removed by unfastening clip 304 between first member 302 a and second member 302 b. When outer element 301 is in the open position, inner element 310 of ornamental component 300 can be exposed.

Inner element 310 can be any type of charm, ornament, or trinket that can be displayed on an article of jewelry such as a necklace or bracelet. Inner element 310 can include an opening 312 to facilitate stringing or attachment to an article of jewelry. Alternatively, inner element 310 may include a clasp, hook, or other attachment mechanism (not illustrated) that can secure it to the article of jewelry.

An elongated member of the bracelet or necklace may be passed through opening 312 of inner element 310 as well as opening 308 of outer element 301. Thus, when outer element 301 is opened and removed, inner element 308 is exposed and remains securely attached to the article of jewelry.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an article of jewelry 400 having an elongated member 402 such as a chain, necklace or bracelet having ornamental components 404 with removable outer shells, wherein the ornamental components 404 are strung upon or otherwise attached to elongated member 402. As discussed in connection with the foregoing figures, each ornamental component 404 can include an outer element 406 and an inner element 408 a, 408 b. Outer element 406 can be a shell, coating, or housing that surrounds or encapsulates inner element 408 a, 408 b. In some embodiments, each of outer element 406 and inner element 408 a, 408 b can include an opening to facilitate insertion of elongated member 402.

Outer element 406 can be removed and reveal an exposed inner element 408 c, which remains attached or mounted to elongated member 402. In some embodiments, outer element 406 can be re-attached to ornamental component 404 and once again encapsulate inner element 408 a, 408 b. Alternatively, outer element 406 can be destroyed or discarded after it is removed from ornamental component 404.

A user may utilize ornamental component 404 for different purposes. In one example, ornamental components provide different aesthetic characteristics than traditional jewelry items, and can therefore be used as a fashion article. As such, the user can selectively remove one or more outer elements 406 to reveal inner elements 408 a, 408 b and thus present different aesthetic combinations.

In another example, ornamental components 404 can be used as a method of tracking progress to a particular goal. For example, a user may have a goal of losing a predetermined amount of weight, and outer elements 406 can be removed as incremental milestones toward achieving the end goal. Alternatively, a user may be counting down time to a particular milestone such as a trip, wedding, birthday, anniversary, etc. Outer elements 406 can be removed with each passing day, week, month, or year to indicate progress toward the milestone.

The outer elements 406, the inner elements 408 both can bear indicia such as colors, shapes, letters, words or symbols that are representative of the milestones. For example, the inner elements can bear numbers that represent a countdown to a target date for an event or goal. As an example, inner element 408 a bears the number “1” and inner element 408 b bears the number “2.” The indicia on each inner element can be the same or can differ, such as count down numbers or aspirational messages, like “almost there.”

In yet another example, a user may give a gift of a bracelet to someone with inner elements 408 that have significance which is revealed as the outer elements 406 are removed.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an ornamental component 500 having a breakable outer shell 502. Breakable outer shell 502 can be made from a plastic material that is configured to crack and break apart when a user applies pressure. Ornamental component 500 can include an inner element 504 such as a charm or trinket that is exposed when breakable outer shell is cracked or broken 506.

In some embodiments, breakable outer shell 502 can include pre-arranged fractures that facilitate breakage 506 of outer shell 502. In some embodiments, the pre-arranged fractures may be visible to the user. Alternatively, the pre-arranged fractures may be in embedded inside of the material used to form outer shell 502 and not visible to the user. In some embodiments, the pre-arranged fractures can be used to ensure that breakage of outer shell 502 does not result in any jagged or sharp edges that could cut or otherwise harm a user.

Ornamental component 500 can also include an opening (not illustrated) or some other structure that facilitates threading or mounting on an article of jewelry such as a necklace or bracelet. In some embodiments, the opening can be formed as part of outer shell 502, which can correspond to an opening (not illustrated) on inner element 504. Alternatively, outer shell 502 may not include any openings and a user may be required to crack and remove outer shell 502 in order to expose the inner element 504 that is to be mounted on an article of jewelry.

The foregoing examples are provided for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure herein.

The above detailed description is intended to highlight various features and aspects of the invention by discussing specific attributes of particular embodiments of the invention. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the apparatuses, systems, and methods described herein. 

1. An ornamental component comprising: an inner element structured to attach on an elongated member of a jewelry item; and an outer element encapsulating the inner element, wherein the outer element is configured to be removed from the ornamental component to expose the inner element.
 2. The ornamental component of claim 1, wherein the outer element comprises at least two interlocking members.
 3. The ornamental component of claim 2, wherein the outer element further comprises a clip configured to releaseably engage the at least two interlocking members.
 4. The ornamental component of claim 1, wherein the outer element comprises a breakable shell.
 5. The ornamental component of claim 4, wherein the breakable shell includes one or more pre-arranged fractures to facilitate removal of the breakable shell.
 6. The ornamental component of claim 1, wherein the inner element has a through hole formed therein for the ornamental component to be strung on the elongated member of the jewelry item.
 7. The ornamental component of claim 1, wherein the outer element comprises a translucent material.
 8. The ornamental component of claim 1, wherein the outer element comprises an opaque material.
 9. A jewelry item comprising: a plurality of ornamental components secured on a wearable elongated member, each ornamental component including an inner element and an outer element encapsulating the inner element, wherein the outer element is configured to be removed from the ornamental component to expose the inner element, wherein the inner element remains secured to the wearable elongated member.
 10. The jewelry item of claim 9, wherein each inner element bears indicia selected from the group of color, shape, letter, word, or symbol, whereby the selective removal of the outer element of each ornamental component reveals the inner element indicia to represent milestone progress towards a goal or event.
 11. The jewelry item of claim 10, wherein the indicia of each inner element differs to symbolize the progress towards the goal or event.
 12. The jewelry item of claim 9, wherein the outer element comprises a breakable shell.
 13. The jewelry item of claim 12, wherein the breakable shell includes one or more pre-arranged fractures to facilitate removal of the breakable shell.
 14. The jewelry item of claim 9, wherein the outer element comprises at least two interlocking members.
 15. The jewelry item of claim 14, wherein the outer element further comprises a clip configured to releaseably engage the at least two interlocking members.
 16. The jewelry item of claim 9, wherein the outer element comprises a translucent material.
 17. The jewelry item of claim 9, wherein the outer element comprises an opaque material.
 18. The jewelry item of claim 9, wherein the ornamental component comprises a through for securing it to the wearable elongated member.
 19. The jewelry item of claim 9, wherein the ornamental component comprises a clasp for securing it to the wearable elongated member. 